Pride for Anoka soccer shines through as alumnae return to Goodrich Field

Published August 18, 2014 at 1:42 pm

More than 30 Anoka girls soccer alumnae returned to Goodrich Field last Saturday as players from the last two decades competed on teams coached by the only two coaches the program has known since 1992: Sara Chartier (1992-1999) and Paul Anderla (2000-2013).

New Tornadoes coach and 1999 graduate Amber (Dusosky) Woeltege scored twice for the odd-number team, coached by Chartier, which fell short against Anderla’s even-numbered side 6-3. More than 30 former Anoka soccer players gathered at Goodrich Field for the first girls soccer alumnae game with graduates from 1983 to 2014 Aug. 16. Photo courtesy of Nichole Scott

Nichole (Baumbach) Scott, member of the Class of 1995, thought about the idea of honoring Anoka’s past for the better part of the last decade. It didn’t come together until a group including Scott, Shannon (Scarrella) Dusosky, Katie (Green) Kavanaugh and Woeltege met to plan and organize the event.

“The soccer program was such a part of who we are and it’s really in our DNA,” said Scott, a four-year starter, captain and all-state honoree for the Tornadoes. “It was a huge success. … Far exceeded my expectations.”

Current Anoka soccer players hung a banner thanking the players of past that read — “I love my alumni.” Scott recalled the joy of not only stepping back on Goodrich Field, but also hearing the same songs on the team’s mix tape from two decades earlier.

“Getting there early to set up the nets just brought me back to a 14-year-old watching the state championship team play,” Scott said.

As for the soccer on the field, some more recent graduates traded friendly smack talking on social media before the game.

Three Anoka girls soccer coaches, Sara Chartier (1992-1999), left, Paul Anderla (2000-2013) and first-year head coach Amber Woelte pose for a photo before the first alumnea soccer game at Goodrich Field. Photo courtesy of Nichole Scott

“It was competitive and there was some talk back and forth on the field, but it was all in the great spirit of all for one,” Scott said after everyone gathered on the field afterward for a message from Woeltege and a final “Anoka on three” cheer. “She thanked everyone and wants to rely on the history and support from the alumni to help the current program.”

Taylor Bare, a 2010 Anoka graduate and four-year starter at UM-Kansas City, scored five times to power the even team to the win.

Amy Jo (Boushek) Schaffer, a 1998 grad, also scored for the even team and Scott added one goal for the odd team.

Four sets of sisters took part including the Stolls, Westmans, Blaskas and Dusoskys.

Many current Anoka players were on hand to show their support, along with “Super Fan” Jeff Nelson, former trainers, former activities director Ron Scott, families and friends and booster club members. Former Goodrich Field announcer Del Westman served as master of ceremonies on the microphone.